Posted by Dr. Sara Hooge on July 13 2009 10:52
Clostridium
- Many types
- Clostridium perfringens
- Most common type in young calves
- Types A, C, and D
Causes
- Normally in intestines
- Commonly found in soil
- Disease occurs when some change allows growth of the bacteria
- Overeating
- Change in weather
- Abnormal feeding schedules
- Abrupt diet changes
Clostridium
- Produces gases and toxins
- Gas-causes bloating
- Toxins are poisonous to the tissues
- Damages the intestinal wall
- Decrease motility in the guts
- Makes it easier for more bacteria to attach to the intestines
- Both can cause sudden death
Signs of Clostridial Diseases
- Sudden Death
- Severe, bloody diarrhea
- Abomasal bloat
- Depression
- Kicking at belly (painful abdomen)
- Off-feed suddenly
Treatment
- Sudden down- Immediately
- Penicillin - 10 cc orally
- C & D Antitoxin
- Bloats
- Penicillin - 10 cc orally
- C & D Antitoxin - 10 cc orally
- 1 pint mineral oil
- CABB
Prevention
- Feed calves the same time each day
- Feed milk at proper temp
- Maintain milk feeding equipment - nipples without large holes
- Clean and disinfect milking equipment
- Feed CABB once a day
- Calf Vaccines
- Bovine Ecolizer + C
- Ultrabac C & D
- Farm specific Clostridium
- Novartis Clostridium Type A
- Avoids changes in weather, housing or other management changes that predispose calves
- Vaccinate dry cows
- Adequate colostrum in newborn calves